Mein Sternenkind

Star children are subject to funeral duties –and registration if they

• weigh over 500g at birth
• have reached the 23 + 0 gestational week
• are born with vital signs

Subject to funeral duties means

• the child must either be cremated or buried

Subject to registration means

• the child has to be registered at the civil registry office
• a death certificate is issued
• If desired, the child’s name is entered in the family booklet (only with married couples)

In Switzerland, children subject to registration may only be buried in a cemetery. They can also be transported by private car and can be taken home for the farewell. Again, it should be confirmed with an official letter from the medical services that the cause of death was natural. At the request of the parents and to keep the costs as low as possible, transportation to the crematorium, etc. can therefore be done by the parents. In this case, you need to get in touch with the funeral director’s.
The urn may be taken home in both cases. Basically, the ash may be scattered anywhere, if the landowner agrees.

Cost sharing

If the parents cannot cover the funeral costs, it is possible to ask for support from the following institutions:
• Commune of residence
• Church parish
• Caritas
• Social services (if social assistance claimant)